Hampshire's chief constable announces she's leaving
Olivia Pinkney says she won't be staying in the Police
Last updated 6th Sep 2022
Hampshire Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney has announced she will leave Hampshire in April 2023, after 31 years of police service.
She will not be taking up another role within policing.
Chief Constable Pinkney said:
“It is far from the end of my time in force yet, but I would like to take this opportunity to thank the public for their ongoing support of policing. To thank those organisations who continue to forge ever stronger local partnerships with policing, and to thank every single member of the Hampshire police family for what you continue to do for us all. I made the decision back in late June and I am announcing it now to help with a smooth transition and handover.”
Her replacement will be announced by the end of November 2022.
Timeline for departure
• It has already been announced by the National Police Chief’s Council that Chief Constable Pinkney will be seconded to lead the national Strategic Command Course from mid-September 2022 until mid-December 2022 (developing the next generation of aspiring chief officers and wider executives). During this period Deputy Chief Constable Ben Snuggs will serve as the Acting Chief Constable of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary.
• Chief Constable Pinkney will return to the force in mid-December, to oversee the final part of the officer Uplift and to ensure an effective handover.
Transition and PCC plans for choosing the next chief constable
In a message sent to police officers, staff and volunteers, Chief Constable Olivia Pinkney stated that she had made the decision in late June saying:
“I strongly believe that every large organisation needs to evolve through new leadership to ensure we are able to continually be at the forefront - in our case of great policing. The day I was appointed chief constable will always be one of the proudest days of my life and every day since I have witnessed the brilliance of those I have been lucky enough to serve with. Even on the darkest days, people step up and bring light. They try to do the right thing. Going the extra mile, sticking to their values, and putting the public first.”
On her future, Mrs Pinkney added: “I return in mid-December with the last of our 600 (and counting) additional Uplift officers to welcome, and to work tirelessly for our communities until my last day. What the future holds beyond that I do not know, but my heart remains rooted in public service. I am not going to another job in policing. I said all along the only chief job for me is Hampshire and I remain true to that.”